Bite-Size Marketing Plans – Part 2

If you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and write a marketing plan for your business, where do you start?

Well, as I wrote here, I’d recommend starting with a bite-size marketing plan rather than a full scale effort.

Just understand that I’m not advocating that this is all you do – just that this is a good place to start. As you see results, you’re going to want to go into more detail anyway because you’ll realize that the better your marketing plan, the more money you’ll make.

So let’s get started.

The whole idea of a bite-size marketing plan is to make it quick and relatively easy to do.

Which begs an all-too-obvious question: Exactly what information do you need for your bite-size marketing plan?

Start with answering these questions below.

What do you do?

Where do you do it?

Why do you do it?

When do you do it?

Who do you do it for?

Where are you now in your business?

Where are you headed?

How are you going to get there?

Who are you already doing business with?

Who do you want to be doing business with?

Who are your ideal customers?

What are you selling?

How are you selling it?

Where are you selling it?

For how much are you selling it?

Now these may look like simple questions but they’re deceptively simple. Each will require some thought. Even questions as seemingly basic as “What do you do?” and “Why do you do it?”

It’s critical to be honest when you write your ansers down. Try to keep each answer to no more than two or three sentences in length. And write down your gut feelings. Your first thoughts about the answers are usually on the right track, even if they’re not what you think you’re supposed to write.

So, for instance, if your answer to “Why do you do it?” is “Because I need the money.” or “Because I don’t have a choice.” that’s going to impact your marketing plan – even possibly to the extent that your plan will include some radical business changes. After all, you really ought to be enjoying your business.

So get started on the list. It’s alright to write “I don’t know.” if there are questions that you’re really unsure about.

In the next installment of Bite-Size Marketing Plans I’ll discuss how you can use your answers to create your very first marketing plan. One that will propel your business forward faster than you thought possible.

I’d love to know how answering the questions goes for you. Was it easier or harder than you anticipated? Care to share in the comments? Go right ahead.